YMCA Youth Sports Programs
Did you know that the YMCA invented basketball? It’s true! In 1891, a physical education teacher at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts was challenged to develop an exciting indoor winter game for his students. Voila! Basketball was born.
Today, you can play basketball at the Akron Area YMCA, and a lot more! We offer all kinds of different sports for all ages, and our leagues, teams and classes offer more than just a chance to improve your skills and fitness—you’ll get to have fun with the great people who make up our Y!
The YMCA Youth Sports Philosophy makes us different from other youth sports leagues you may find in private clubs or parks and recreation departments. Our youth sports programs are based on the following:
- Everybody plays, everybody wins (no scores or standings are kept)
- We are child focused, not game focused
- We strive to build self-esteem, physical skills and good health
- Participants learn teamwork and fair play
- A strong emphasis is placed on safety and progression
- Parents are encouraged to be involved as volunteer coaches and helpers
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Baseball
The YMCA offers a wide variety of Youth Baseball league programs including Little Rookies where a softy baseball is hit off a tee, Rookies where the Coach pitches to their own players, Winners where players work on pitching and mitt skills, Champions and Junior Varsity where boys and girls participate in a modified little league format.
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Basketball
Our progressive skills basketball programs are for youths ranging from 4yrs – 14yrs old and focus on basketball skills and fair play. Some teams will participate in modified league games.
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Football
Non-contact games loaded with diving catches, long runs & touchdowns. Fun for all! “Tackles” made by pulling a flag off a Velcro belt.
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Martial Arts
Children from 6-12 years old can learn karate from black belt instructors that have experience instructing this age group. Children will gain confidence, self-discipline and respect for themselves and others-and they’ll have a lot of FUN!
Adults and children 12 years and older will learn traditional Karate from black belt instructors. This program affords participants an opportunity to learn self-defense and to improve their overall level of physical fitness.
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Soccer
We offer both indoor and outdoor programs seasonally. Our
progressive soccer program is designed to included youth of all ages and
skill levels. For youths under 7 our soccer programs are Little Rookies and
Rookies where the emphasis is on learning and practicing core skills such
as dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork. For youths 7 – 14 our
programs are Winners, Champions, and Junior Varsity where players with prior
soccer experience can continue to hone their core skills and compete in modified
league games each week.
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Volleyball
Learn volleyball skills, good fitness habits to keep your
body healthy, and the importance of the YMCA character values. This program
is open to kids and parents.
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Looking for more programs or want more information?
 Explore programs that have open registration.
Download your local branch's Program Brochure.
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